While it’s challenging for mold to grow on most tile surfaces, the grout in between tile isn’t so lucky. As a porous material often exposed to moisture, grout is susceptible to serious mold growth without timely cleaning. Use this guide to keep mold from accumulating on tile grout, and contact your Orange County mold inspectors for any infestation over 10 square feet. 

The White Vinegar Method

Pour distilled white vinegar into a spray bottle to deal with grout mold. White vinegar provides an effective, non-toxic cleaner for a variety of household surfaces, and is one of the few products to kill mold. Spray all affected grout with the vinegar and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Use an old toothbrush or other scrub brush to dislodge the mold. Avoid overly zealous scrubbing since it can damage the grout. 

Rinse the dislodged mold away with water, then spray the grout again with vinegar. Let it stand for about 30 minutes to kill any remaining spores before rinsing. Turn on the ventilation system in your bathroom or kitchen, and place a fan in the direction of the grout to quicken the drying process. Quick drying prevents mold regrowth. 

The Baking Soda Method 

Spray moldy grout with water, then apply a layer of baking soda. The household product absorbs the water to create a thick paste. Allow the paste to remain on the grout for 30 to 45 minutes before spraying it with water again for easier scrubbing. Wait a few more minutes, then use your toothbrush or other scrub brush to clean the grout of damaging mold. Repeat as necessary to reveal white grout. If you need extra cleansing power, spray the baking soda with white vinegar to create a fizzy, powerful cleaner. 

Additional Tips 

Always wear protective gear when dealing with mold, even if it’s a relatively small amount. Goggles, rubber gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and masks keep spores from making contact with the skin and eyes, and possibly causing allergic reactions. 

Avoid using bleach to clean grout–while it does kill mold, the commercial cleaner can also damage tile. 
Trust any severe infestation to your Orange County mold inspection team at Mold Masters. Also offering water damage restoration in Orange County, you can count on this crew to do the job right every time.